More than ever, podcasts are the go-to source for advice. Here are twenty of our top podcast picks for high school and college students. From self-help to academic wisdom, these podcasts are engaging, insightful, and genuinely impactful for listeners. Plus, they’re easy to fit into your day, whether you’re studying, driving, working out, or just relaxing at home.
All podcasts are available on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
20 Must-Listen-To Podcasts for Students
1. THE MEL ROBBINS PODCAST
The Mel Robbins Podcast provides simple, research-based evidence working to change your life for the better. From Mel’s personal stories to hard-fought secrets, she will give you all the details to become the best version of yourself! Make sure to check out 6 Steps to Navigating Major Change Like a Pro and 8 Things I Wish I Knew in College for fantastic, honest, real-world advice. Listeners will love this podcast for its no-nonsense approach, empowering energy, and tips they can use immediately.
2. THE COLLEGE ESSAY ADVISORS PODCAST
One of the hardest parts of the college application process can be the college essay. This podcast breaks down all there is to know about creating a successful, stand-out essay. From diving into specific Common App prompts, to how to write a waitlist letter, hosts Stacey Brook and Becca Myers dish out what admissions is really looking for.
3. MOMENTS PODCAST
Influencer Lexi Hidalgo guarantees that all of her listeners feel understood and valued. This podcast focuses on self-help topics including mental health, relationships, and growth. High school is often a time of self-discovery, and this podcast is an outlet to do just that. Give her the best advice ever episode a listen to fully dive into all that she has to offer. This podcast stands out as a comforting and inspiring space for listeners to reflect, find motivation, and feel less alone in their personal growth journey.
4. FINANCIAL FEMINIST
Managing money is a learned skill. Money expert Tori Dunlap guides young adults on how to make more, spend less, and feel financially confident in the world. This incredibly useful podcast provides resources to get, save, and grow money to gain financial freedom. Check out the finance for college students episode for information on scholarships, investing, saving, and life advice. This podcast offers clear, practical, and honest guidance for navigating real-world money challenges.
5. NPR LIFE KIT
This podcast provides all the necessary advice for high school and college students preparing to enter the real world, covering everything from stress management to tips and tricks for avoiding debt. Host Marielle Segarra speaks with experts to uncover practical, real-life guidance you can actually use. With its wide range of relatable and relevant topics, this podcast is the ultimate resource for getting your life on track and feeling more confident about what’s ahead.
6. THE GUIDE PODCAST
The Guide provides all that you need to be the best version of yourself. Ellie Johnson dishes out all things related to social life, food, and fitness. Their guides on high school and getting your first big girl job both share great life guidance. We can all feel a little lost in the world, but this podcast provides that much-needed direction.
7. COLLEGE LIFE PODCAST
The College Life Podcast dives into real stories from recent graduates, current college students, and inspiring guests, making this the perfect podcast for high schoolers. With episodes ranging from surviving freshman year to finding internships, this podcast has a variety of advice for each stage of young adulthood. This raw and relatable series feels like a conversation with close friends—genuine and comforting.
8. THIS TEENAGE LIFE
Being a teen is hard. This podcast helps to explore all of the growing pains through sharing teens’ ideas, stories, and unique perspectives. Episodes cover topics like navigating college applications, failure, and self-care to help young adults become successful in all areas of their lives. Many of their episodes are short in length, which makes them a perfect quick listen.
9. HOW TO COLLEGE: FIRST GEN
Being a first-generation college student can be a scary and lonesome experience. This podcast helps ensure that first-gen students are feeling prepared and confident in navigating their education. Through hearing from college students tackling the challenges of being the first in their families, to graduates who are opening doors into opportunities a college degree can provide, this podcast truly covers everything imaginable for the first-gen experience.
10. SHE REFLECTS
Through a high schooler’s perspective, She Reflects explores the highs and lows of teenage life. With podcast episodes touching on the digital SAT and building a college resume, it takes a deeper look at how to show up as your best self, not just in the classroom, but in all areas of your life as a student. With a more personal and comforting tone, this podcast will help with your academic journey.
11. NORMAL GOSSIP
While not related to anything academic, Normal Gossip makes us all feel a bit less embarrassed and a bit more human. Host Rachelle Hampton discusses reader-submitted comedic anecdotes. From juicy, strange, and funny gossip about people you’ll never know — to diving into the choices and decisions of complete strangers — you get to hear all the realities you can learn from. This podcast is perfect for a less serious and more playful listen.
12. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF YOUR 20S
Your late teens and early 20s are such a difficult time period to navigate. This podcast helps to break down every topic, concept, or experience that defines your 20s. From dating to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, or finances, it explores every growing pain associated with entering adulthood. Their episodes on friendship changes and being a late bloomer both touch on topics that aren’t often discussed. This podcast is the perfect source for life advice and why your brain operates the way it does.
13. THE ED MYLETT SHOW
If you are looking for someone to give you some tough love, look no further than the Ed Mylett Show. This podcast doesn’t sugarcoat things and that honesty is exactly what makes it so impactful. He discusses topics such as how to gain more self-confidence or how to not hold back. This is a listen that will leave you feeling driven, inspired, and determined.
14. JUST ADMIT IT!
Do you find yourself needing direction in the college application process? IvyWise’s podcast provides the most up-to-date straightforward information on college prep for high school students! From figuring out what extracurriculars to understanding the difference between test optional and test blind, this podcast truly covers it all. This podcast will ensure you feel directed in your college prep journey.
15. THE TOAST
Looking for a podcast to laugh at? Look no further! The Toast is a personable podcast that focuses on a wide range of topics including celebrity news, personal experiences, and current events. They offer a comedic and relatable approach that is lighthearted. This podcast offers a great way to unwind while still gaining valuable insights.
16. ANYTHING GOES WITH EMMA CHAMBERLAIN
Emma Chamberlain is a well-known YouTuber and influencer, and her podcast falls nothing short of her social media success. She offers a raw, personable look on every avenue of life. She gives the hard-hitting truth on random topics, whether you want to hear it or not. This podcast feels like the honest, wise older sister you never knew you needed—offering perspective-shifting insights that can genuinely change the way you see the world.
17. JEM’S COFFEE SHOP
This soothing podcast brings all the good vibes and necessary life advice. It is the perfect opportunity to grab a beverage, cozy up, and listen to topics ranging from whether to take a gap year, how to get out of your comfort zone, and all there is to know about accepting yourself. This podcast is perfect for a quick listen because nearly every episode is under 30 minutes.
18. THAT’S THE POINT
This dynamic duo, Jon Volk and Kristin Johns, bring some of the most refreshing insights around. Their episodes cover a wide range of playful, light-hearted topics while weaving in meaningful words of wisdom. It’s an enjoyable listen that never falls short on thoughtful takeaways. With longer episodes, this podcast is great for unwinding during commutes, workouts, or while tackling chores.
19. THE COLLEGE PREP PODCAST
This podcast answers all there is to know about college admissions questions. The hosts ensure that high school students are entering the process with as much confidence and information as possible. From whether to take AP classes to SAT study tips there truly is valuable take-aways for everyone.
20. ANNA’S GUIDE
While known for her TikTok content, Anna Sitar provides us with an incredible podcast focused on every life chapter. She guides you through all of life’s ups and downs including advice on career changes, college firsts, relationships, adulting, and life crises. Her episode on going back to school is a great listen. This podcast feels like a warm hug, which we all need at times.
High school students, college students, and young adults can all benefit from listening to these podcasts. From finances to college planning, we’ve got you covered. Even if you’re listening while you’re cleaning or driving to school, take some time to invest in your future self.
If you’re still looking for the right college, use College Raptor’s college match tool to find your best fit college.
